Did you know that you can see what Michelangelo profile looks like in real life?
There is a profile of a man carved into the stone façade of the Palazzo Vecchio which has been attributed to Michelangelo Buonarroti.
Here are a few legends behind Michelangelo's profile:
First legend: It is said Michelangelo sculpted this face as a wager, using his extraordinary skill to carve it with his back turned to the wall, without even looking.
Second legend: The identity of the person in the carving remains a mystery. It could be a passerby, someone sentenced to death, or possibly even the executioner.
Third legend: This one claims Michelangelo encountered a man condemned to the pillory in Piazza della Signoria—a punishment for unpaid debts. The man had his head and hands locked in wooden planks. Michelangelo reportedly asked a soldier how long the man had been in that position. Upon hearing the answer, he shook his head, perhaps out of pity, and carved the man’s profile.
This tale blends historical intrigue and Michelangelo’s artistic genius, making it a memorable element of Florence’s rich cultural heritage.
Want to see this in person?
Join me next September 8-15, 2025 for our Truly Florence Retreat.
